Light, spicy, and bursting with tropical flavor
🍴 Serving Size
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the Snapper:
- 4 snapper fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of ½ lime
- Fresh basil or parsley to garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Snapper
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Rub the marinade generously onto both sides of the snapper fillets.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
3. Grill the Snapper
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grates/pan.
- Grill the snapper skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily and has grill marks.
- Set aside and cover to keep warm.
4. Prepare the Pasta Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (1 minute).
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften (3–4 minutes).
- Stir in coconut milk or cream, lime zest, and juice.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Divide pasta into bowls or plates.
- Top each serving with a grilled snapper fillet.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with a tropical drink or salad.
🌿 Health Benefits
- Snapper is a lean source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- Garlic and lime offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Cherry tomatoes and herbs provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Using olive oil and grilled methods instead of frying keeps it light and heart-friendly.
- Option to substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.